The Belial Library (The Belial Series) Read Online Free PDF Page B

tell us where the source of the collection is."
    She stared at him in disbelief. "Demand? And then what? Break out the thumb screws? These are good people. We – and sadly that includes you – will treat them with respect. Do you understand me?"
    He looked away from her gaze. "Whatever."
    Laney swallowed the scream in her throat. "Well, the 'project’ is done for the night. Why don't you head down to the camp and get a good night's sleep?"
    He shook his head. "I think we should ask Nana about the source.  We're losing time-"
    She cut him off. "Let me rephrase my last statement: Go to the camp and go to sleep."
    He spluttered. "You can't order me around that way."
    "Actually, she can," Jen said as she walked up behind them with silent footfalls.  Warren jumped about a foot. "It's in your contract. So get lost, Warren."
    He stood up, glaring at Jen. "You're going to regret this."
    Laney watched him stomp out of the pavilion before turning back to Jen. "Not the most diplomatic way you could have put it."
    Jen shrugged. "He gets under my skin.  The boy’s useless."
    "True. But he must have some powerful connections to have wheedled his way into this grant.  Maybe we could show a little restraint."
    Jen arched an eyebrow. "That was restraint. I wanted to kick his ass."
    Laney laughed. "Oh, well, my mistake then. Where's Nana?"
    "She went to check on Elena. She asked if we’d wait.  She wants to talk to us.”
    “Any idea why?”
    “She wouldn’t say.  But did you notice how distracted she was at dinner?  It must be something big.”
    Laney nodded.  “The latest oil company lawsuit?”
    “Probably.” 
    They both sat sipping their coffee, enjoying the sounds of the village winding down.  The scent of lavender drifted through the air and Laney inhaled deeply. She smiled as a group of children ran past.
    After a few minutes, Jen let out a big sigh. 
    Laney glanced over at her.  “What?”
    Jen blew out a breath.  “If we’re ever going to learn more about the source of the Crespi collection, we're going to have to lose Warren.  Any goodwill we've created, he's shredding."
    Laney knew how true Jen’s words were.  It was a testament to the Shuar’s generosity that they put up with him at all.  "I know. Maybe we can bury him in paperwork back at the bank while we stay here."
    "Good idea. Or maybe we could just bury him.”
    Laney laughed.  “If only.  Tomorrow, though, we'll send him packing."
    Nana stepped into the hut from the doorway across from Laney.  “Good.  You’re both still here.”
    “Elena asleep?”  Jen asked.
    “Almost.  But she’s fighting it.  She’s afraid she’ll miss something.” Nana took her seat back at the head of the table.  “I have a problem that I believe only you two can solve.”
    Laney and Jen waited for Nana to explain, but Nana just glanced out of the hut, watching a family sitting together outside their home.  Finally, she spoke.  “The Shuar have been part of this land for thousands of years.  Some argue we have been here for tens of thousands years.  But recent years have seen oil companies doing what no other group has been able to.  They’re coming close to getting our land.”
    “Have they started a new lawsuit?”  Jen asked.
    Nana nodded.  “Yes.  And the judge is favoring them.  I think he may be in their pocket.  And if that’s true, I’m not sure if anything can save our land.”
    Laney reached out and took Nana’s hand.  “How can we help, Nana?”
    Nana squeezed Laney’s hand.  “The judge has given us one chance to protect our land.  We must demonstrate why it’s sacred to the Shuar.”
    Jen nodded.  “Do you need us to write up a history?”
    Nana shook her head.  “I don’t think that will be enough.” She fell silent. 
    Laney glanced at Jen, who shrugged back at her.
    “Nana?”  Jen prodded.
    Nana shook herself out of her reverie, taking a deep breath.  “The tribe’s still debating what to do.  I am